The Community 2168 small grants program was run to assist local residents and community groups to develop projects that benefit the community in the 2168 postcode area. The program looked at funding projects which might:

• Build local skills and/or job opportunities
• Provide opportunities for young people in the area
  
• Address local health or community care needs
• Build community connections
• Improve feelings of community safety
• Improve local amenity (how the area looks).

The Community 2168 Management Committee distributed $30,000 to the local community.

The successful projects were:

RAW – Real Active Women

Miller Art&Fact Inc. - $5,000

RAW is designed to create opportunities for local women through workshops on creating affordable cosmetics using aromatherapy principles and business skills. Miller Art and Fact was established as part of the first round of Community 2168 grants funding.

The Resting Place

Anglicare Family Services and St Marks Anglican Church - $4,787

The funding will go toward an overall budget to develop a public space between the two buildings at Sadleir with a community garden, children’s playground, chess set and seating. Residents will be engaged in workshops such as mosaics, glazing and tree planting to beautify the area.

Out of the Box

South Western Regional Tenants Association (SWRTA) - $4,913

The project aims to create community connections in Miller bedsits through regular barbecues, information sessions and get-togethers. The project aims to break isolation and create a meeting point for residents.

Community Management and Participation Training

Community 2168 Action Group and the Hub - $3,800

The project will deliver training for local groups in community management, chairing effective meetings, lobbying and advocacy and minute taking. The project will also include bus trips to meet residents from other community renewal projects, such as Claymore.

Twisted Sounds Youth Music Festival

Youth Underground and Live N Learn Foundation - $5,000

This project will encourage volunteering and leadership opportunities for young people who will work together with service providers to organise a youth music festival in Miller on 22 September 2007 at the PCYC.

Community Mind Matters

Hoxton Park High School - $1,500

Annual workshops will be run at Hinchinbrook for the community on adolescent mental health. The school will distribute resources to families and establish an ongoing support group.

HYA (Helping Youth Achieve) Ground

South West Youth Peer Education (SWYPE) - $5,000

HYA Ground will assist young people aged 12-24 years in enhancing personal development through elevating their knowledge of musical diversity, radio broadcasting, sound engineering and performing arts. The project aims to assist young people back into mainstream education.

For more information about the Community 2168 small grants program or the funded projects, please contact Anita Hanna, Senior Project Officer – Community 2168 or 9821 7776 or at a.hanna@liverpool.nsw.gov.au